Abuja, June 18, 2025 – The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing gender inclusion in emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), during a keynote address at the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT).
Delivering the keynote on the theme InnovateHer2025: Women and AI, the NITDA boss highlighted the critical importance of female participation in shaping the future of AI both in Nigeria and globally. He emphasised that inclusion must go beyond access and representation, to meaningful leadership and innovation by women in AI-driven ecosystems.
“In today’s world, technology is not just a tool, but a driver of social and economic transformation. Ensuring women are not left behind in the AI revolution is both a moral and strategic imperative,” he said.
He noted that InnovateHer2025, an initiative championed by NIWIIT and supported by NITDA, is a timely intervention aimed at equipping women and girls with the skills, platforms, and confidence needed to lead in tech spaces traditionally dominated by men. The programme aligns with the agency’s broader digital inclusion framework under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
The DG/CEO further urged stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to strengthen support for gender-focused digital literacy, innovation hubs, mentorship schemes, and policy frameworks that empower more women to pursue and excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
The NIWIIT conference brought together leading women professionals, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to exchange ideas and forge partnerships toward a more inclusive digital future. It also featured panel sessions, training workshops, and awards recognising outstanding women in ICT.
The event served as a rallying point for collective action to dismantle barriers and create an enabling environment where Nigerian women can lead the charge in Artificial Intelligence development, ethical innovation, and digital entrepreneurship.
